Be wary of bogus calls

Scottish Water advice

Residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are being warned to be on their guard from bogus callers as the darker nights draw in.

Scottish Water this week offered advice on how to beat callous conmen who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

With the clocks going back this Sunday, some conmen may be tempted to take advantage of people in their own homes.

To combat the criminals, the organisation released their ‘ Three C’s’ advice programme.

Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Farrer, said: “As our investment programme to deliver clearer, fresher drinking water and improve the natural environment across Scotland continues, Scottish Water workers are highly visible in towns and villages across the country.

“However, there are those who would take advantage of this essential work by posing as bogus Scottish Water employees.

“All of our employees carry identity cards, which they are more than happy to show when requested to do so. Householders shouldn’t let anyone into their home until they are sure of their identity. Check through the peep hole on your door; ask them to pass their ID card through the letter box. Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you check their identity.

If you’re on your own and feel that you need more support then call a neighbour or a friend, and if you are at all worried about a caller, then please contact the police straight away. The advice is easy to remember - just three C’s – card, check and call.” Scottish Water’s simple Three C’s are: Card – You can ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letter box in order to verify their identity.

Check – Check the identity card carefully: Is the photo on the card the same as the person at the door? Does the card contain the Scottish Water Customer Helpline number? Has the card been tampered with in any way? If you are not confident that they are a genuine, then send them away.

Call – If you are in any doubt about the caller’s identity, call Scottish Water’s customer Helpline on 0800 0778778. Customers are advised to contact utility companies by using phone numbers found in telephone directories or the internet, but never from ID cards or letters presented, because these could be false. If you are still suspicious contact a neighbour or call the police.

When householders receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water they should not under any circumstances open the door without first checking the callers ID card or letter – this should be passed through the letter box for verification. This stops a bogus caller forcing their way in, even if the door is ajar, or on a chain.

Further information on beating bogus callers can be found at www.scottishwater. co.uk/boguscaller or on Twitter @scottish_ water and Facebook www.facebook.com/ scottishwater.